End Marks in Press Releases: 2026 Formatting Standards
Written by Nell VH
Use “###” to mark the close of your press release. It shows editors exactly where your message ends. Place it after your boilerplate, centered and set apart. This small symbol keeps newsroom processing sharp and mistakes rare.
Key Takeaway
- End marks like “###” signal the end of official press release content, preventing confusion.
- Their use maintains industry professionalism and supports smooth editorial processing.
- Consistent formatting with end marks boosts readability and newsroom trust.
Meaning and Significance of End Marks in Press Releases
A press release can feel like a living thing racing through wires and inboxes, hunting for attention. At Newswirejet, we know a newsroom's rhythm is built on clarity, repetition, and small signals. End marks, usually three hash marks, “###”, are one of those signals.
Definition and Role of “###” in Press Releases
“###” isn’t just decoration. It’s a hard stop. This symbol, placed at the very end of your press release, tells editors and journalists: The official message finishes here. What follows, if anything, shouldn’t be printed or reported as part of the release. In a world where stories tumble in by the hundred, this mark keeps the boundaries firm. Editors trust it.
Historical Origin and Evolution of End Marks
The tradition traces back to the telegraph. Early journalists sent news through unreliable wires. “###” or “-30-” flagged the end of transmission, so the message wouldn’t be lost or accidentally chopped. Over the decades, as newsrooms moved from telegraph to teletype to email, the end mark stuck. Now, it’s muscle memory for anyone who’s sent a press release through a wire service.
Some old-timers still remember their first editor barking, “Don’t forget your thirty!” before sending a press bulletin. The phrase “thirty” refers to the “-30-” mark, a cousin to the modern hash trio.
Common Variants of End Marks and Their Usage
Most press releases in the U.S. use “###” today. But you’ll find some old-school or region-specific alternatives:
- “-30-” (especially in North American press rooms)
- “–END–” (sometimes in corporate communication)
- “XXX” (rare, sometimes in European outlets)
At Newswirejet, we recommend “###” for consistency, but it pays to know your audience. If you’re sending a media advisory to a small-town paper, you might still see “-30-” in return.
Professional Implications of Using End Marks
Using an end mark signals you respect newsroom conventions. Editors expect it. Skipping it can look amateur, maybe even careless. For journalists who scan hundreds of press releases a week, the absence of an end mark means more work, double-checking for missing paragraphs, guessing where the story breaks. You don’t want your news release ending up in the digital slush pile for that reason.
It also helps avoid editorial mix-ups. Without a clear end, a press contact’s phone number or a stray legal disclaimer might get published as news. That’s nobody’s dream headline.
Proper Placement and Formatting of End Marks
Some rules should be bent. This isn’t one of them. End marks belong in a fixed spot, with a look that’s easy to spot.
Positioning Relative to Press Release Content
After the main body, the who, what, when, where, why, and after the boilerplate in a press release (that short company background paragraph), you place the end mark. Nothing official should come after.If a press release includes a media contact information or press office details, those can go below the “###,” but they’re not considered part of the actual release narrative.
Visual Presentation and Centering Techniques
The end mark needs to stand out. Center it on its own line. Leave space above and below. Example:
[boilerplate text finishes here]
###
This isn’t just for looks. It stops busy eyes from missing the signal. Some press release templates even add a horizontal rule above “###” for extra separation.
Differences Between “###”, “-30-”, and “–END–”
- “###”: Modern, standard, U.S. and international newsrooms
- “-30-”: Historic, still respected in older or regional publications
- “–END–”: Used in some corporate or government press bulletins
Choosing between them depends on your audience. We always default to “###” unless a client requests otherwise.
Guidelines for Consistency Across Different Media Outlets
Every newsroom has quirks, but consistency wins trust. Use the same end mark in every press announcement, regardless of topic or format, press statement, media advisory, or official release. We keep this standard in all Newswirejet press release services, so clients never have to worry about mismatches.
When in doubt, check the press release format guidelines of the target outlet. If they specify an end mark, use it. Otherwise, stick with “###.”
Benefits and Practical Importance of End Marks
The little things matter most. A single symbol can protect your story and your reputation.
Ensuring Clear Communication to Journalists and Editors
Journalists are busy, sometimes skeptical, always pressed for time. End marks help them:
- See exactly where the news release ends [1].
- Avoid running non-public information like media contact details that are not part of the official release or embargo notes.
- Prevent confusion over lengthy press updates or multi-part announcements
I remember an assignment desk editor who once told me, “If I can’t see your end mark, I won’t trust your copy.” He meant it.
Maintaining Professionalism and Industry Standards
A press release with a clear end mark looks finished. It shows you follow media relations best practices and that your press office cares about detail. Some editors even refuse to move forward without it, especially for embargoed releases or sensitive announcements.
This is more than a formality. It signals you understand the press room’s workflow, and you’re playing by the same rules.
Avoiding Editorial Errors and Misinterpretation
Without an end mark:
- Editors might accidentally cut off the story before it’s done
- Extra notes, press alerts, or backgrounders could get printed as part of the official release [2].
- The newsroom might lose trust in your future press material
With “###” In place, those risks drop close to zero. It’s insurance for your message.
Enhancing Readability and Document Closure
There’s a rhythm to reading news. A press release without a closing mark feels unfinished, like a song that ends mid-verse. The end mark wraps things up, making it clear to everyone, writer, editor, reader, that the message is complete.
Some PR professionals argue that in digital releases, end marks are less crucial. We disagree. They still make a difference, especially when media pickup can happen at any point in the chain.
Contemporary Usage and Best Practices
The news moves fast. Press release conventions don’t always keep up, but some traditions earn their spot.
Relevance in the Digital Age and Modern Newsrooms
Digital press rooms, press release distribution services, and email have replaced the telegraph, but the core need remains. Editors want to know where your official message ends. Online, a missing end mark can cause even more confusion, since press releases often get copied, pasted, or auto-imported into newsroom systems.
Newswirejet’s editorial team sees hundreds of press releases every week. Releases with no end mark stand out, and not in a good way. They’re more likely to be flagged for review or sent back for revision.
Recommendations for Formal and Informal Press Releases
- For official releases distributed through press release platforms or newswires, always use “###.”
- For informal press notes or quick updates shared with friendly journalists, the end mark can be optional, but even then, it never hurts.
- If you’re sending a press handout at a press event or including a press transcript, stick to the standard.
No one ever lost a media contact by using an end mark. Plenty have lost credibility by omitting it.
Integration with Other Press Release Elements
End marks work alongside:
- The press release headline and strong lede paragraph to capture attention
- The dateline (for newsworthiness and context)
- The boilerplate (for background)
- Media contact details (to facilitate newsroom follow-up)
Don’t bury your end mark after contact info. Instead:
- Main press release content (including headline, lead, body, boilerplate)
- Centered “###”
- Media contact, press office, or press room details
This keeps your release format clean and the official message safe from mix-ups.
Tips for Ensuring Effective Editorial Processing
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- Always proofread for stray lines after your end mark. Nothing should follow except contact details.
- Use the same end mark in every press release for consistency.
- Train your team to recognize and respect the convention, especially when using press release templates or press release writing services.
- If your release has embargoed information, clearly mark it above the end mark, never below.
Some newsrooms have automated systems that look for “###” before publishing. If it’s missing, your press release might get held up or, worse, misprocessed.
Practical Advice
Every newsroom has its own rhythm. Some move with a kind of chaos that only makes sense from the inside. But across all of them, the same small signals keep the press running smoothly. End marks are one of those signals. They say: This is the end. You can trust what you just read.
If you want your press release to survive the newsroom rush, use the “###” at the end. Center it. Don’t let anything official come after. If your contact details follow, separate them with space, so editors know not to print them as part of the release. At Newswirejet, we’ve seen firsthand how this small habit keeps stories sharp and newsroom relationships strong.
You might think the digital age has made old habits obsolete. But some traditions, like the end mark, are still worth keeping. They make your press releases easier to read, harder to misinterpret, and more likely to be picked up by the media.
Keep your releases clear. Use the end mark. Your story will thank you, and so will every newsroom that reads it.
For professional press release distribution that gets results, chooseNewswireJet.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the press release end mark, such as the ### symbol, in press release protocol and press release conventions?
The press release end mark, often shown as ###, signals the official end of the press release. It’s a clear, universal sign that no more information follows, helping journalists and media contacts quickly recognize the conclusion. This convention supports press release professionalism and follows press release protocol to avoid confusion in media relations and public relations.
How does the press release end mark affect press release distribution channels and press release platforms?
Using the press release end mark helps streamline press release distribution by clearly marking the end of the release copy. Whether sent through press release platforms, newsrooms, or press distribution services, the ### symbol ensures media engagement is smooth and that press contacts know where the message finishes, aiding media outreach and press coverage.
Why is including a press release end mark important for press release writing and press release structure?
In press release writing, the end mark ensures clarity and neatness in the press release structure. It acts as a clear boundary after the boilerplate or press release closing, helping maintain professionalism. This simple symbol supports press release guidelines and press release AP style by marking where the official release ends.
Can the press release end mark impact press release SEO and press release keywords usage?
While the end mark itself doesn’t affect SEO, it helps organize the content cleanly, making it easier to add press release keywords effectively in the headline, lead, or body. A well-structured release with proper conventions can improve readability for journalists and media relations professionals, indirectly supporting SEO by enhancing content quality.
How does the press release end mark relate to press release timing and release date, especially for embargoed releases?
For embargoed releases, the press release end mark clarifies the official end of the content that can be shared after the agreed release date and time. It helps media relations teams and journalists respect embargoes by clearly marking the official release copy and preventing accidental leaks beyond the intended press release timing.
What role does the press release end mark play in press briefing and press conference materials?
In press briefings or press conferences, the press release end mark clarifies the official text meant for distribution. Whether included in press kits, press handouts, or press transcripts, the ### symbol helps media liaison and spokespersons indicate the formal end of the press message, ensuring press contacts know when to stop referencing the release.
How does the use of the press release end mark assist journalist outreach and media contact during a press event?
The end mark helps journalist contacts and media outreach teams quickly identify the full press release content during press events or media advisories. It simplifies press copy review for PR contacts and media liaison staff by marking the final point of official communication, improving efficiency in press distribution and media pickup.
What should be included in the press release closing along with the press release end mark to maintain press release professionalism?
The press release closing typically includes contact details like press contact, media contact, or PR contact information. Adding the press release end mark after these details signals the official end, ensuring press release professionalism and clarity for media relations, press office staff, and journalists who need press information or press material for follow-up.
How can press release editors and press release reviewers use the press release end mark to improve press release approval and press release review?
Editors and reviewers look for the press release end mark as a clear indicator that the draft is complete and ready for approval. It helps maintain consistency with press release guidelines and makes reviewing the press release easier, ensuring no important information is accidentally omitted or extended beyond the official release copy.
Are there any press release mistakes related to the omission or misuse of the press release end mark?
Leaving out the press release end mark can cause confusion among journalists and media contacts, leading to incomplete or incorrect press coverage. Misplacing it within the text can disrupt the flow of the press message, complicate media relations, and hurt the press release impact. Following press release protocol avoids such common mistakes.
References
- https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5200-how-to-write-a-press-release.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Press_release
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